The origin of Amusement Park Astérix and why it is suitable for family walks

Parc Astérix is situated on a 55-acre land and comprises of five theme areas. The first 20,000 visitors on its opening day attested to the significance of the park. This amusement park, which opened on April 30, 1989, was designed for family outings and relaxation with friends. The site, managed by the Compagnie des Alpes, a subsidiary of Caisse des Dépôts, is located in Plailly, in the Oise, approximately 30 kilometers from Paris. It is a theme park dedicated to the hero of the Astérix comic book.

The Gallic Village

The park's Gallic Village is a collaboration of several investors who spent a total of 850 million francs or 130 million euros. More than a thousand workers were employed on this construction site. Fans of Uderzo and Goscinny's comic books, Parc Astérix offers entertainment and fun under the banner of the Gallic helmet with its golden mustache. From prehistoric times to the 19th century, passing through the Roman Empire, ancient Greece, and Egypt, the park has attracted visitors for over 20 years and provides a fascinating chronology of history.

Discover the Origin and History of Parc Astérix

The inauguration of Parc Astérix was a national achievement that resulted from plans for leisure parks in France in the late 1980s. This initiative was taken by Albert Uderzo, following a visit he made to Disneyland in the United States. Four years of market research later, the company Parc Astérix SA was established in 1985 and began recruiting the two architects in charge of the project. After two years of work, the park near Paris officially opened its doors. It is also near Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle Airport, and less than ten kilometers from an A1 interchange. The opening of this sensational park attracted thousands of people. During the inauguration and days after the opening day, hundreds of thousands of adults, women, and children came to visit.

Parc Astérix vs Disneyland Paris

In its early years, Parc Astérix gradually gained a reputation, despite the difficulties the theme park faced. The company was threatened with bankruptcy for a few years, mainly due to lack of influence. The opening of Disneyland Paris in Marne-la-Vallée did not help the financial situation of Parc Astérix. The proximity to Disneyland Paris was detrimental to the image of the park. However, it benefited from the actions of nationalist lobbyists who were opposed to American culture and its symbols being installed in Marne-la-Vallée.

A Successful Park

As a result, Parc Astérix benefited from French nationalist propaganda, and customers returned in large numbers to visit its attractions. In 1993, the park recorded the arrival of 1,800,000 people. Although Parc Astérix did not continue to experience the same level of success, the park's Gallic identity began to assert itself. The shares of the park were sold on the stock market in 1994, marking a period of nascent prosperity. This prosperity was largely due to the opening of a Greek-themed section, which became the main attraction for at least 25% of its visitors.